But to the consternation of the high priest and his co-conspirators, Jesus says nothing. Not one word. Enraged, the high priest says in verse 62, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?" But again the reply is more of the same—silence. Verse 63 says, “But Jesus kept silent.” Finally, the high priest goes for broke: “And the high priest answered and said to Him, ‘I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!’” (Matthew 26:63).

That is the question: “Who are you? Who are you really, Jesus of Nazareth?” Now for the first time the silent lamb, dumb before His shearers, speaks. It is here that He will make sure that if He is to die He will die for the truth. He answers in verse 64, “Jesus said to him, ‘It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.’”

Pandemonium broke out in the hall. It was like all hell did break loose as men and demons howled with glee. They now had Him where they wanted Him. They circled the lone figure in the middle of the room, their drooling fangs bared to devour the Lamb.

The ring leader of this hellish mob, ready to sacrifice the Lamb, ripped his clothes and cried, “‘He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy! What do you think?’ They answered and said, ‘He is deserving of death’” (Matthew 26:65-66).